POLE POSITION — Helio Castroneves, a three-time race winner who averaged 227.970 in 4-lap qualifications. He will start first, the inside of the front row, for the fourth time in his ten races at Indianapolis.

PURSE — Depends on attendance and accessory awards; 2009 payoff was $14.3 million, of which winner Helio Castroneves received a record $3.04 million for Team Penske.

CROWD — Estimated at up to 400,000. Speedway never discloses attendance but admits to more than 250,000 reserved seats in permanent stands and room for 100,000 or more in the infield.

TELEVISION — Televised live and in high definition by ESPN on ABC starting at noon EDT, one hour before the race, with host Brent Musburger, lead announcer Marty Reid, analysts Eddie Cheever and Scott Goodyear, and pit reporters Rick DeBruhl, Jamie Little, Jerry Punch and Vince Welch.

RADIO — More than 340 affiliate IMS Radio Network stations throughout the United States and Canada, plus XM 145, Sirius 211, American Forces Radio Network, shortwave radio worldwide and the Internet, with Indianapolis Motor Speedway Radio Network anchor Mike King, IMS historian Donald Davidson, Jerry Baker, Firestone Indy Lights driver James Hinchcliffe and Paul Page in the booth; Jake Query, Mark Jaynes and Chris Denari in the turns, Kevin Lee, Dave Argabright and Nick Yeoman in the pits and Dave Wilson in the garage.

MORTALITY — There have been 67 deaths at the Speedway, including pre-500 races of 1909-10. Last death was on Oct. 22, 2003, when driver Tony Renna crashed during private tire tests.

THE TROPHY — Sterling silver Borg-Warner Trophy, 5-feet, 4 3/4-inches, 110-pounds, with bas-relief bust of each winner. Valued at more than $1 million, on permanent display at Speedway Hall of Fame Museum. Each winner receives an 18-inch sterling silver replica.